How do I know if my car has struts?
In most modern cars, the front suspension uses struts—typically MacPherson struts, where a coil spring sits around a single shock absorber that also serves as a mounting point. The rear suspension varies by model; some cars use struts, while others rely on separate shocks or different designs. Here’s how to identify which configuration your vehicle uses.
What a strut is and how it differs from a shock
A strut is a suspension component that combines a shock absorber with a coil spring and often provides a mounting point and structural support for the wheel assembly. A standalone shock absorber dampens motion but does not typically bear the vehicle’s weight or handle alignment loads on its own. This integrated design is the key distinction between struts and simple shocks.
Front suspension: how to tell if you have struts
Use these checks to identify front struts without disassembly.
- Look for a single, integrated unit per wheel: a cylindrical shock absorber with a coil spring wrapped around it, connected to the wheel hub and the top of the wheel well. This is the hallmark of a MacPherson strut assembly.
- Check the top mounting point inside the engine bay: a large strut tower with a central mounting bolt and usually a bearing that allows the strut to pivot with steering.
- Notice the lower connection: the bottom of the strut typically attaches directly to the steering knuckle or control arm rather than to a separate coil spring arrangement.
- Observe the presence of a coil spring that sits directly around the shock absorber as part of the same assembly—unlike some older designs that use a separate coil spring with a separate damper.
- If you’re unsure from visual inspection, consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or a parts diagram for your exact year/model.
Conclusion: If you see a coil spring wrapped around a central shock absorber forming a single assembly that attaches to the wheel hub and a strut tower, you’re looking at a front strut setup. If not, your car may use a different front suspension design.
Notes for different car types
In trucks, SUVs, and some performance models, you may encounter front suspension designs that look different (such as double-wwishbone arrangements). Visual cues vary, so when in doubt, check the owner's manual or service diagrams for your specific model.
Rear suspension: do you have struts?
Before checking the rear, know that the rear can be configured in several ways. Some cars use rear MacPherson struts; others rely on independent coil springs with separate dampers; some use torsion beams or leaf springs. Here’s how to tell in the rear:
- Look at the rear wheel well for an integrated coil spring around a damper: many vehicles with a common design carry a coil spring around a rear shock/strut, similar in appearance to the front.
- Check for an independent four-link or multi-link setup with coil springs and separate dampers rather than a single integrated unit per wheel.
- On some cars, the rear does not use struts at all (for example, torsion-bar or leaf-spring suspensions). Visual inspection can reveal these designs.
- If you can access a diagram, note whether the rear damper is labeled as a “strut assembly” or as a “shock absorber.”
Conclusion: Rear struts exist on many newer cars, but some models use separate dampers and springs or different suspension types. Checking the manual or a parts catalog will confirm the exact rear setup for your vehicle.
How to confirm definitively
If you still aren’t sure, these methods can confirm:
- Check the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s official service information for suspension type.
- Look up the specific model year in an OEM parts catalog or a repair manual that diagrams the front and rear suspension components.
- Ask a qualified mechanic or dealership service department to identify the exact suspension design for your vehicle.
Conclusion: Cross-checking the owner's manual, service diagrams, and professional confirmation will give you a definitive answer about whether your car uses struts.
Common signs of worn or failing struts
A quick list of symptoms to watch for, which can also help you determine if your suspension is in need of service:
- Oil or hydraulic fluid leaks from the strut body.
- Excessive bouncing or a floaty ride after hitting bumps.
- Nose-diving when braking or poor handling response and increased body roll.
- Uneven tire wear or misalignment due to worn strut mounting and dampening.
Conclusion: If you notice these signs, schedule a suspension inspection. Worn struts can affect ride comfort, steering response, and tire longevity.
Summary
Most modern cars use front MacPherson struts, identifiable by a coil spring wrapped around a central shock absorber and a strut tower mounting. Rear suspensions vary: some vehicles use rear struts; others use independent dampers with separate springs, or alternative designs such as torsion bars or leaf springs. To be sure, consult your owner’s manual or a reputable parts diagram, or ask a qualified mechanic. Understanding your car’s suspension helps with maintenance and planning repairs, and can influence ride quality and cost.
